Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared April “General Aviation Appreciation Month.” The proclamation highlights the vital role general aviation plays in supporting the communities throughout Missouri and the country. In Missouri, the general aviation industry contributes an estimated $2.4 billion into the economy every year and supports 16,000 jobs.

“We thank Governor Nixon for recognizing the role of general aviation throughout Missouri,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “Community airports throughout the state support commerce, local business, emergency services and public safety.”

“Especially in rural communities, general aviation plays a vital role in linking residents to essential services, such as law enforcement, medical care, disaster relief, fire fighting and nearly every aspect of public safety,” stated Craig Fuller, President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “We thank Governor Nixon for his recognition of the value of general aviation and look forward to working with him on issues related to airports.”

“Businesses across Missouri utilize general aviation as a tool to increase productivity and reach markets that would otherwise be inaccessible,” commented Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). “Across the country, business aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and generates $150 billion every year. We applaud Governor Nixon for drawing attention to the advantages of business aviation and its benefits to communities.”

“With 125 general aviation airports, Missouri’s aviation infrastructure serves to connect residents with the rest of the country, while providing access to a host of critical services,” stated Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). “We appreciate the efforts of Governor Nixon to raise awareness about the importance of general aviation.”

Tom Hendricks, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association said, “Governor Nixon’s proclamation raises awareness of general aviation’s contributions to the success of local businesses, airports and communities across Missouri. NATA and its 41 member companies in Missouri applaud the Governor’s actions in recognizing general aviation as a vital resource to the state’s competitiveness and growth.”

“Helicopters play an essential role in ensuring public safety, and the same specialized functionality that make them such a lifesaving resource also make them ideal for business use. Whether it is lifting materials to construction sites, carrying out emergency services, or maintaining power lines from the air, helicopters and general aviation are an important resource,” said Matt Zuccaro, President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI). “We appreciate Governor Nixon’s recognition of the pivotal role of general aviation in the state of Missouri.”